by Samantha C. Conway

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Seed Starter Kit

We built a 16’x2′ vegetable garden at the end of summer last year, but it was unfortunately too late in the season to plant any veggies. I am determined to have lots of fruits and veggies growing in my yard this year, and to save some money I am trying to start most of them from seed. I am not known to have a green thumb, but hopefully with the help of my husband we can start and keep our plants alive. I found a great starter kit, and we planted our first set of seeds today. The process couldn’t have been easier, and we now have 72 plants seeded and hopefully ready to grow. I can’t say how my plants are going to turn out yet, but below is the process I used to get everything started.

Seed Starter Kit

Step 1: Purchase your seeds and kit

The kit I bought comes in different sizes, ranging from $2-$7 each. Most seeds sold for $1.25 each, but others were slightly more depending on quantity and type. We bought about 23 seed packs and the starter kit for roughly $35. Assuming my 72 plants survive (even just some of them), that is a pretty good deal for a yard filled with 23 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Also, don’t forget to start a giant pumpkin if you have kids; it will get them involved in the gardening process and give them something to look forward to in Fall.

Step 2: Setup your kit

Per directions, add the appropriate amount of warm water to expand the soil.

Before Water is added

After water is added

Determine how many of each plant you want, and make a chart so you know what you are planting where (also make sure you label the “top” of your tray according to the chart). Since we are new to everything, we chose to plant 3 of most plants (we had a ton of extra seeds).

Seed Layout Chart

Label "Top" of your tray

Step 3: Plant your seeds

Spread each pod apart, place 2-3 seeds in each, then cover with soil.

Spread the pod open

Add 2-3 Seed per pod

Once all seeds have been planted, place the plastic dome over your tray and move it to a warm inside location with indirect sunlight. You can also buy special heating mats to help your seeds germinate better. If you do not have an appropriate inside location, you may want to set up a grow light in the garage or use an outdoor greenhouse (just watch the outdoor temperatures before setting anything up outside). Once your first seedling sprouts, prop the plastic dome open to ensure proper ventilation.

I hope this helps you to get your seeds started. We will all be learning together with this one, but here’s to a season full of fresh fruits and veggies! Please feel free to leave your thoughts on starting seeds.